Overview
Clematis viticella 'Kermesina' is a climbing deciduous climber in the genus Clematis, part of the Ranunculaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Clematis viticella 'Kermesina' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include climbing on trellises, walls and fences. It is native to Southern Europe and Western Asia.
About
Clematis viticella, the Italian leather flower, purple clematis, or virgin's bower, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae, native to Southern Europe and Western Asia, from the Italic Peninsula to Iran. This deciduous climber was the first clematis imported into English gardens, where it was already being grown in 1569 by Hugh Morgan, apothecary to Elizabeth I.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis viticella
About the genus
Clematis is a genus of about 380 species within the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Their garden hybrids and cultivars have been popular among gardeners, beginning with Clematis 'Jackmanii', a garden staple since 1862. More cultivars are being produced constantly, mainly of Chinese and Japanese origin.
Wikipedia contributors, "Clematis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Clematis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Clematis
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- well-drained
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- sheltered to exposed
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Clematis viticella 'Kermesina' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- deciduous climber
- Habit
- Climbing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- climbing on trellises, walls, fences
- Native to
- Southern Europe, Western Asia
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Clematis viticella 'Kermesina'
- Cultivation
- Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Provide support for climbing. Water regularly during dry periods.
- Pruning
- Prune hard in late winter or early spring to about 30cm above ground to encourage vigorous growth and flowering on new wood.
- Propagation
- propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, Capsid bugs, Caterpillars, Earwigs, Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Powdery mildew, Clematis wilt, Clematis slime flux
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Clematis viticella 'Kermesina'?
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Provide support for climbing. Water regularly during dry periods.
Where is the best place to plant Clematis viticella 'Kermesina'?
Clematis viticella 'Kermesina' prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered to exposed positions.
What soil does Clematis viticella 'Kermesina' need?
Clematis viticella 'Kermesina' grows best in well-drained soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Clematis viticella 'Kermesina'?
Prune hard in late winter or early spring to about 30cm above ground to encourage vigorous growth and flowering on new wood.
Is Clematis viticella 'Kermesina' hardy in the UK?
Clematis viticella 'Kermesina' has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Clematis viticella 'Kermesina'?
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer or by layering.
More in the Clematis genus
- Clematis 'Fukuzono' (I)
- Clematis douglasiiChaparral Clematis
- Clematis stans
- Clematis × eriostemonClematis
- Clematis × jouiniana
- Clematis 'Edward Prichard'clematis 'Edward Prichard'
- Clematis 'Fairydust' (Vt)
- Clematis 'Herbert Johnson' (EL)